Vol. 34 | Vol. 34 (2) - 2023 | SUSTAINABILITY

Transparency: The next chapter in the sustainability story

by

Heather Granato
Vice President of Partnerships and Sustainability
Informa, United Kingdom

ABSTRACT

It is becoming increasingly apparent that the food industry can only go so far on sustainability without tackling the issue of supply chain transparency. Consumers are demanding more transparency and sustainability from food and beverage products, and, under proposed regulatory changes in the United States and Europe, it will soon be mandatory to tackle Scope 3 emissions – that is, if retailers do not beat the regulators and set their own targets first. If the industry is to meet these demands, supply chain transparency is non-negotiable. However, it currently lacks workable technologies to assist with traceability to the farm, or ideally, the field level – transparent supply chains will only become a reality if there is progress in this area.

The next chapter in the food industry’s sustainability story demonstrates greater transparency both in terms of where ingredients come from and how products are made. This is being driven partly by consumers demanding more transparency and sustainability from food and beverage brands. Over half of European adults agree it’s worth paying more for sustainable or environmentally friendly products, and more than two-thirds wish companies were more transparent about their business practices (1). Consumers are asking more questions and trying to understand supply chains, which, in turn, is driving companies to ask more questions about their suppliers and engage in sustainable procurement practices.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Taina Pennanen is a specialist in soil microbiology. She has conducted research on microbial functions related to soil nutrient cycling, both on the release and uptake of nutrients. In addition to organic matter decomposition, her studies concern tree-associated microbes, their role in the host performance and the interactions with the genetic variation of the host trees. Her recent studies are focused on microbial biodiversity in soils and plants.

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